WindConnect, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp., has been awarded the balance-of-plant engineering and construction work for the first phase of the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Benton County, Ind.

Phase one is expected to produce up to 400 MW of energy, with 300 MW being jointly owned by BP Alternative Energy North America Inc. and Dominion. BP will retain sole ownership of 100 MW of the first phase of the project.

The erection of 40 Clipper C-96 and 182 Vestas V-82 wind turbine generators will be completed after the construction of roads and concrete steel turbine foundations. The underground collection system and two substations will be interconnected to the PJM transmission system through a 25-mile, 345 kV transmission line, which will be linked at the Dequine Substation. This first phase is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

"Benton County has consistently strong winds for this part of the U.S., making this a prime location for providing renewable energy to the PJM system," says Mark Osten, director of business development for WindConnect. "This is a major renewable energy development for the entire country, and we are very pleased to have been selected for this important work."